Prevention better than cure for work-related injuries, says HSE

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has unveiled plans for a new strategy regarding work-related musculoskeletal disorders, or WRMSDs.

According to market research, business and industry lost a total of 8.8 million days in 2015/16 as a result of bad backs, strains and sprains. Lifting, handling, repetitive tasks, and prolonged standing or kneeling are some of the activities that have the highest risk of injury, and the HSE is hoping to introduce plans heavily aimed at prevention.

The RTITB (Road Transport Industry Training Board) is the preferred workplace regulatory body, and works closely with the HSE to ensure proper training programmes for manual handling and workplace safety are complied with.

Managing director of RTITB, Laura Nelson explains:

“Health and safety are of paramount importance to RTITB, so we are keen to support the HSE’s strategy. MSDs are obviously not good for the health of our logistics workforces which, in turn, has a negative impact on businesses’ bottom line.”

As well as the correct training for manual handling, for example how to lift or move a heavy box and pushing and pulling techniques to reduce risk of strain, the RTITB also recommends the use of the most suitable equipment for a particular task.

A warehouse equipment supplier should be able to advise on everything from heavy duty warehouse trolleys with steps, to pick and pack tables. Using the RTITB training manuals, a combination of in-house staff training, suitable equipment and continued monitoring should help reduce the risk factors, resulting in fewer days lost due to WRMSDs.